OPTUS AND VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR REGIONAL VICTORIA

Multi-million dollar network investment to strengthen Optus coverage in regional Victoria

Optus and the Andrews Labor Government have today announced a $16 million funding agreement for Optus to build an additional 25 sites across regional Victoria, addressing some of the regions mobile coverage black spots.

The total amount of the co-investment is over $16 million, a majority of which has been contributed by Optus.

The first site from this agreement, located in Nanneella in central Victoria, has already been delivered and is carrying traffic.

Optus Vice President of Regulatory and Public Affairs, Andrew Sheridan, said, “This co-investment is a fantastic announcement for Victoria, and Optus is extremely proud to be working with the Victorian Government on this project that will allow Optus to build an additional 25 mobile sites across regional Victoria. Optus thanks the Victorian Government for its support and funding commitment.

“Earlier this year, Optus demonstrated its commitment to regional Australia announcing a $1 billion investment to improve mobile coverage in regional Australia. Today’s announcement is further testament to this, and we look forward to continuing to expand our regional capabilities and bring first class mobile services and choice to regional communities” said Mr Sheridan.

The 25 sites are expected to be live to accept calls and data by the end of 2018. Each site location was chosen through consultation with government and aims to target areas that have not previously had dedicated mobile coverage.

Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis, said, “Those living in regional Victoria deserve better mobile coverage in their homes, workplaces and while they travel, and we thank Optus for helping us get on with the job of delivering it.”

“Telecommunications coverage and infrastructure are critical for regional Victoria – mobile connectivity supports the economy, community activities and most importantly, safety.”

This announcement is in addition to the Victorian Government’s Regional Rail Connectivity Project, which will see the Victorian Government again work with Optus and other telco operators to deliver improved mobile coverage and connectivity for commuters along the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon and Seymour rail lines.

Over the past two years, Optus has placed significant investment in regional Victoria, building 31 new sites and completing more than 270 upgrades. It will also be working with the Federal Government through the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program to deliver 16 new mobile base stations in the state.

Optus & Victorian Government Funding site list: Leongatha South, Lower Norton, Maryknoll, Nanneella (live), Haddon North, Teesdale, Willow Grove, Monegeetta, Badger Creek, Brim, Pomonal, Tuerong, Tuerong West, Main Ridge West, Yackandandah North, Cape Clear, Port Campbell North, Edgecombe, Hawkesdale, Thorpdale, Wharparilla, Winslow, Woolsthorpe, Girgarre, Kennett River

Media enquiries:
Michelle Pacey
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7850